China's Lin Dan reacts after winning the men's singles gold medal badminton match against compatriot Chen Long at Gyeyang Gymnasium at the 17th Asian Games in Incheon, Sept 29, 2014. [Photo/Agencies]

This year’s awards place particular emphasis on breakthrough significance of nominees’ athletic achievements in each of their fields, the organizing committee said.

Other nominees for the high-profile Sportsman of the Year are Asian Game gold medalist long jumper Li Jinzhe, two-time Olympic champion shuttler Lin Dan, while retired tennis ace Li Na, who won her second Grand Slam singles trophy at the Australian Open in January, and Zhang Hong, who claimed China’s first Olympic gold medal in long-track speed skating at Sochi, have been nominated in the Sportswoman of the Year.

Candidates for the Breakthrough of the Year also include the men’s 4x100m sprint team, who won gold at the Asian Games with new Asian record time, and the Chinese synchronized swimming team, who won the World Cup team event for the first time in October.

sunxiaochen@chinadaily.com.cn